Gauteng’s welfare budget criticized for vulnerable neglect

Social welfare organizations in Gauteng, South Africa, have protested against budget cuts in their departments for children, elderly people, people with disabilities, and those living with HIV and Aids. They say they were not properly consulted about the changes and are being introduced in a top-down approach as reported by the Daily Maverick.

As a result, many fear they will be forced to cut staff, reducing their ability to serve people in need.

However, the department stated that the overall R2.3-billion budget for non-profit organizations (NPOs) was not being cut but was being reconfigured to respond to Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi’s identified priorities, especially substance abuse treatment.

Photo by Christina Watkins